The Slow Down Coffee Co.

The Slow Down and the work that Drew does to advocate for the Highland and Oak Park neighborhoods is bringing life back to the north side of Des Moines. This is a great place to study, meet or work. They partner with other local small businesses (be sure to check out the cinnamon rolls) and host events/gatherings for the community. This is one of my most recommended places in the area.

We stopped here to kill a few hours while our pet was at a vet appointment. What a find! Tasty coffee, great, friendly service, and a super sweet soundtrack made our stay really enjoyable. We even found Five Crowns on the games shelf, and my wife proceeded to clean my clock over 3 rounds. All sorts of nice merch available, too, from stickers to Ts to mugs to books. Go here!

Back again? Definitely. When you come inside you should do the following: 1. Order a delicious drink or grab a small snack item 2. Go to the comfy couch area by the free library 3. Read the floral photo album of notes - You will not be disappointed 4. Have a great rest of your day I came to Slow Down today with the thought of needing a relaxing morning and as they branded themselves; to slow down. To my surprise when I came in this place was buzzing with energy and good vibes. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of people there that were studying, reading, or having a quiet conversation or time sipping their coffee. I joined the rest crowd and sat there immersed in my book. This made me realize how nice of an environment they held. Whether it was a. Us I was discussion, a quick cup for your daily commute, an interview happening, a local gathering spot, or just somewhere to go, it was perfect for any and all occasions. By far the best and most welcoming place I have been to in a while.

I usually make my own matcha at home bcuz I don’t think anyone can make it as good as I do lol but I tried the mango sticky rice matcha with oat milk here and it is sooo good- it’s pretty sweet, but I love that it actually has a distinct sticky rice flavor when a lot of times matcha recipes like this focus on the mango aspect of the dish. I’ve had it 3 times since I found out it existed 2 weeks ago.

Slaaaaayyyy queens and kings!! This is exactly what you need. Slow down is just what it sounds like. The music is low and vibes with slower calming tones. Rex Orange County vibes. Literally soothing and magical. Lots of seating options. Some plants to boost the ambiance. Perfect spot for a meeting with a friend, work from home, studying, reading, just relaxing and taking a deep breath. They have delicious drinks. Shirts and jewelry and some books here and other novelty items. I came here on the Coffee shop pass which gave me 7 free coffee spots and this was one of my faves from it. One of the cutest things is a Little Free library inside. This has stickers, books, a peace journal with positive vibes and a good book selection. Very LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcoming to everyone. Parking is free in the street or a lot nearby. Could not recommend enough. I will for sure be back!

Drew made the best americano I've ever had! It tasted like it was a good pour over. We enjoy seeking out new coffee shops and this was quite a find. I'm glad we chose this place to stop at on our drive from Minneapolis to KC. My wife was looking for a coffee shop and this one (reviews) stood out. The space is inviting and comfortable. It used to be a hardware store and you can still see isle numbers on the wood floors. What stood out for me, besides the good coffee, was how engaging the owner was with the customers. No wonder I noticed a 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award while looking around. I will definitely return the next time we're passing through Des Moines.

We love supporting local and the coffee is great!! My partner is picky about coffee never being strong enough, but she loves the coffee at The Slow Down. We also love what they stand for in terms of human rights and sustainability.

Always very welcoming, especially the owners, Drew and Anna! Their coffee tastes very clean compared to Starbucks and Dunkin! They have an awesome punchcard loyalty program and welcome diverse populations from everywhere without judging them! They are all very kind!

Love it here!! This place is a hidden gem.. they have lots of coffee options including a menu based on dogs that visited the store! I got the cortado and my friend got an iced latte with blueberry syrup per the dog menu (sounds interesting but we actually both loved it!!). There's plenty of tables and lots of stores nearby if you want to grab your drink to-go and walk the block.

We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. There was no wait. My parents had one small hot sea salt caramel latte and I had one medium cold lavender honey latte. The latter was very weak in which none of the flavors were present. I could barely taste lavender, honey, and espresso.

I came to The Slow Down Coffee from online local recommendations and I'm glad I did! This place opens every day. :) Walking in, it's very spacious with a variety amount of seating available for dine in customers. I would love to note that the aesthetic was very home-like. This cafe is quite a busy location so be prepared for a little crowd. I really love the layout of the coffee bar, as it's very spacious and reminds me a bit like Morning Bell Coffee Roasters. Ordering my coffee was quick and simple as I have ordered the vanilla latte. The barista was kind to have brought it to my table and the latte had a mini latte art, which was a joy. Everything about this place is a great meeting space, study space, or a place to just enjoy your coffee. If interested, they also have a little shop for you to browse at the front. My only complaint is the location. Depending on the time you go, 6th street has some really bad traffic and finding parking is a bit hard. Overall, I can't wait for my next visit at Slow Down Coffee! Will certainly bring a friend next time.

I visited here on a busy Saturday morning and there was a line past the door, but I ordered within 10-15 minutes. I got an iced vanilla chai. The barista was kind and took time to make sure she got my group's orders correct. Our drinks were made quickly. My chai had a lot of cinnamon flavor to it. Seating was hard to come by, but eventually we pulled a few chairs together. There were lots of people studying, reading, playing games, and doing puzzles. They have several merch items and small business items for sale as you wait in line.

So many good things to say about The Slow Down Coffee Co.! Where to start.... The menu is fantastic. When I visit a coffee shop for what I call "fancy coffee," I typically get a latte, and The Slow Down does it right. My coffee drinks are well made, taste great, and served by the nicest baristas. Also on the menu are fresh pastries and desserts from local bakers. Love that! Great service, too! Always efficient and friendly. The vibe and atmosphere at The Slow Down Coffee Co. is also welcoming. It always feels good. What I also appreciate about The Slow Down is how supportive they are of the community! Art from local artists is on display, they host game nights, fundraising, and are a safe, inclusive, and welcoming spot for the LGBTQ community. What are you waiting for? Go check them out!

This was a delightful stop in the middle of a long road trip. The mach wasn't life changing, but it was enjoyable. I was super hungry and wanted something tasty, and with a good amount of fiber. Man, I can't remember exactly what that box was called ... something like "summer grill out box". It was baked beans, and a variety of summer salads. It was crisp and fresh, and well balanced. There were a bunch of options that all look good. I wish these were being made and stocked in my city!

Stopped into The Slow Down Coffee for my first Coffee Hop visit. Had an amazing smoked sea salt caramel latte and a blueberry pinwheel that the barista recommended that tasted like it was freshly baked...thus explaining the bites taken out of it in the picture ;) The staff were amazing and knew regular customers by name and looked out for all the men not wearing hats and gloves today lol

This is my first time here and I just happened to stumble upon the place. It's so cute and cozy! There's so much space for seating and hanging out. It's got a great community vibe as well as feels very accepting and inclusive. I got a brown sugar cardamom latte and it was really good. It seems like they have a lot of homemade syrups! I am not normally a coffee fan (because I'll get headaches) but this was a really good drink. The staff are all incredibly friendly and welcoming, and service was pretty speedy. I'll definitely have to come back!

AMAZING local coffee shop. Very cozy, with great ambiance and a friendly staff. They have a chocolate orange coffee right now that I can't get enough of, and their lavender lemonade was delicious too. There is a small selection of cookies/sweets near the front counter. When you first walk in you'll see a small area with some books, coffee beans, tea, etc for purchase. I boughtsome Costa Rican coffee beans for home that smelled and tasted very fresh. I also purchased a coffee table book. The curation is really good, and they have simple paper handle bags that make your purchase easy for gifting. Definitely recommend this coffee shop! Wish it was on my way to work so I could get an orange latte every day.

My good friend Carly introduced me to this café and I just love it. Their coffee never gives me jitters so you know they have some good stuff. I follow them on Instagram and I have seen how big of a contribution they are to the community.THIS speaks volumes about a business. I honestly have tried various of their drinks and LOVE from their hot teas to their iced coffee. Once you walk in you will be transported into a array of greenery that are also for sale from the art terrarium and other artists goodies. Not to mention their fridge of delicious local packaged food to eat there or grab on the go. Don't get me started they have GLUTEN-FREE BAKED GOODS that are to dieeeeee for, from @thistlessumit. Everything is affordable and you will be sure to find something you love. Definitely recommend to any coffee/ tea connoisseur you won't be disappointed.

Went back to Slow Down today & again, affirmed why I love my drive from Ames to DSM to buy coffee from here. I've talked to one of the owners, Drew, a few times & hearing him talk about the heartbeat behind him & his wife opening up slow down and the community connections it's brought- makes me want to buy! more! coffee! I love people who love their neighborhood, talk about a real local coffee shop. Also evident in their prices- $5.75 for an iced 16 ounce flavored latte with oat milk....not many places can beat that pricing! If you come down here for the coffee but don't want to sit, try shopping/browsing at DSM Mercantile a few windows down. I love the vibe (plants, seating, mural)! I love the place.

Slow down for this coffee, guys! Loved it! Tasty coffee with all your favorite drinks. Ordered the Cinnamon Honey Latte, oak milk - with my friend and it was made just right. I love they offer plant milk options! And syrups are vegan as well. Spent $11.xx for two drinks and gratuity. Cute shop that offers roasted beans and loose leaf teas. Tons of local merch as well. I appreciate that the owners have a heart for community and supporting other makers! Our barista was a sweet gal that had a great personality and loved to chat. Employees were masked. Patrons were masked but ok to be unmasked to enjoy Java goodness! Seating is limited inside during COVID19 season. Maybe 10 seats max in house. They will offer outdoor seating once warmer. The authentic wood floor really caught my attention. Love the decor and ambiance. Their giant plant shelf for Art Terrarium goods is a HUGE convo piece and makes you want to buy. Overall it was a nice experience. And I'm glad to see Highland Park has a really cool coffee shop. Highly recommend!

I live in Ankeny and work downtown so this is a perfect spot to stop on my way to work. Street parking and spots alongside the building are usually open. The busy intersection nearby makes getting to the store a little more hectic, so just be wary when crossing the street! I snagged a spot in the window to relax a while before work. Mornings are busy! The staff is incredibly friendly. I tried an almond croissant and OMG, they slice it open and put almond paste ALL OVER INSIDE. DROOL. It wasn't dry at all. Amazing. Happiness. I also visited another time and had been wanting a jade plant for my home, and guess what? They also sell plants! They work with other local businesses and artists to collaborate and support each other, which I LOVE. The plants are healthy, displayed nicely, and are reasonably priced. They also once invited a Des Moines based games group called The Rook Room to host a pop-up last winter and I bought a delightfully difficult puzzle as a Christmas present for my roommate. It was art from a local artist and the puzzle was made locally too. What a fun way to support local! And lastly, I should probably mention the coffee. I like Americanos, and I think they do a fine job on those (water first, shots on top!). For a while they didn't have a size larger than 16 oz., so I was disappointed because I can down a 20 oz. like no one's business. Those missing 4 oz. often left me wanting. However, after I posted a similar review on Google, they heard me and began offering 20 oz! Now that is great customer service, guys! They really care! All in all, this is a terrific local business in a historic location owned by two hardworking, caring, and amazing business owners Drew and Kara Kelso.

The shop is really open and they have some local businesses there to buy so it is super great for staying local and shopping. I got a small latte the last time I went in, and it was alright. I would say it's about 75/25 on if you get a great drink or if it tastes a little burnt. Great place for meeting up with friends and having coffee dates. The area offers a lot of great shops so a perfect stop off for a day of exploring.

They need to get new portrait posters. I had to sit facing one of the most egregious and it really put me off my coffee, or maybe the bitter coffee affected my mood, hard to tell.

Love the vibe of Slow Down laid back with excellent coffee. They have local products to buy as well. Service is friendly and efficient. What more can you want?

I'm so glad someone finally had the idea to put a great coffee shop on the Northside. This place is super cute and full of plants, cinnamon roll Sundays and some great art work! The coffee is great and they have a wide variety of options available! If you're on the north side and looking for americanos, lattes, and seasonal coffee bevvies, the Slow Down is a great option with a chill vibe. Pro tip : go on Sundays and get cinnamon rolls too!!

Yummy lattes awesome books and plants and really helpful baristas. Cute decor and logo merchandise

Cozy atmosphere. Yummy specially espresso drinks. Hip vibe. In an up-and-coming part of Des Moines.

My favorite coffee shop in Des Moines!! Great espresso and the homemade syrups are delicious. They have a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. I love that they host so many types of events/groups each month. Also, the sweets from Thistle and Summit and grab n' go snacks from New World Cafe are the perfect treat or light lunch.

A perfect coffee shop environment. The coffee tastes good, the workers are friendly and the atmosphere is everything you're looking for in a local shop. Will definitely be back

The Slow Down is a new coffee shop in the Highland Park area, with great coffee options and an inviting atmosphere (as pictured). I got a small honey cinnamon latte with oat-milk. They are currently doing carry out only due to Covid-19, but it's worth stopping by to get a cup of coffee to-go! Currently, they are partnering with the Art Terrarium, a houseplant store, and have a variety of plants available for purchase, or to look at while you're waiting for your coffee. I would recommend stopping in!

I liked the flavor of my mocha. There is a bakery next door and outdoor seating too. The location is nice and a well-kept secret!

Excellent coffee! Friendly service, cozy atmosphere :) Cool shop in the highland area of north side DSM

Wonderful employees, great tasting coffee, really warm and chill atmosphere. I drive out of my way to get a coffee from here.

We're just shy of a five minute drive from the Slow Down and I wish we lived closer. Excellent service, cool vibes, and great coffee drinks. Don't sleep on their baked goods! The cinnamon rolls and snickerdoodle sandwiches are amazing.

Lovely place with great coffee done well, croissants were spot on and all within a good vibe environment. The shop also offers local teas and grab'ngo selections of light fare beautifully executed.

Nice place to go chill with friends and family. Good coffee and unique snacks. Good feel.

Been to Slow Down Coffee twice this year. The coffee, atmosphere, and hospitality were superb both times. Last week I tried the a vegan salad (I'm not vegan), it was excellent at covering my hunger that morning... and again at home the following evening.

Have been following the progress since they decided to make this happen last year. Congratulations to the folks who managed to do all this and survive the pandemic last year. Great to see them partner with other businesses and offer plants and local products. Had the honey cinnamon latte with oat milk - great! Thanks for masking! I really appreciate your taking of your customers and your staff!

Super friendly service, plenty of free street parking, ample outlets and table...not to mention they serve a couple pastries and lunch items like salads. Ideal study or hangout ambiance. The chai latte was way, way too sweet, but I'll give their drinks another shot.

Cute new coffee shop in north DSM! Many drink options (I went for an iced chai latte - amazing)! Plenty of seating if you need to work on your laptop, read a book, or chat with a friend. The staff is very friendly and willing to help. Loved the relaxing atmosphere and delicious drink. Will definitely return!

A great neighborhood business that is passionate about their craft and community. Have been meaning to make it here since they opened and can promise you we will be back way more often. Such a great experience.

This is a nice coffee shop. They sell local items from other small businesses and allow little shops to do pop-ups all the time. I have a feeling this little neighborhood is soon going to be the new "it" place!

Delicious cold brew, lattes! We shared a muffin and pinwheel pastry as well and they were both delicious. Friendly barista! We stopped on our way out of town after stopping in Des Moines on a road trip and would definitely recommend and will be going back on the way back home!

Super cute inside, plus the owner was kind and welcoming. I'll definitely be going back. The iced pumpkin latte is delicious!

Delicious coffee drinks and a warm, homey atmosphere. Owners Drew and Kara love the community and all of the people in it, and it shows in the way they run this coffee shop. Great place to hang out and meet up.

Great local coffee spot that is passionate about their craft and community! It's definitely worth a trip across town.

My day was made! Such great owners and staff. I was able to park right outside and get a wonderful coffee and the best Greek salad from New World Kitchen. Truth be told, I love all the vegan options from New World Kitchen that I have purchased at the Slow Down. Thanks so much for being in the neighborhood. Next time... I am getting a cappuccino - the best in town.

Love this place! From the plants to the comforting atmosphere to the affordable delicious espresso! Ugh I want to go everyday!